--- title: "First Steps Community Playgroup — Rated Good by Ofsted" description: "First Steps Community Playgroup, a nursery in Exeter — Ofsted-rated Good. See opening hours, fees, photos, parent reviews and contact details on Nursery Advice." lang: en-GB json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "WebSite", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. Ofsted ratings, fees, opening hours, parent reviews and inspection history — all in one place.", "inLanguage": "en-GB", "potentialAction": { "@type": "SearchAction", "target": { "@type": "EntryPoint", "urlTemplate": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?q={search_term_string}" }, "query-input": "required name=search_term_string" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. 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Staff also keep in regular contact with families, which supports that positive view." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is First Steps Community Playgroup a private nursery?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "It is classed as childcare on non-domestic premises and provides full day care. That classification places it within a playgroup or childcare setting rather than a private nursery label." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How are meals handled at First Steps Community Playgroup?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The setting offers breakfast and lunch facilities. It also runs wraparound care before and after the main session, alongside a holiday club with longer daytime hours." } } ] } ] } ] --- [![Nursery Advice](/__l5e/assets-v1/1c5557d3-f3fd-42f8-935a-3f2d2c3ac7e7/nursery-advice.webp "Nursery Advice")](/ "Nursery Advice") [Find Nurseries](/search)[Parent Hub](/parent-hub)[Compare](/compare)[About Us](/about-us)[For Nurseries](/for-nurseries) [Claim Your Nursery](/claim) 1. [Home](/) 2. [Nurseries](/nurseries) 3. [South West](/search?region=South+West) 4. First Steps Community Playgroup # First Steps Community Playgroup Compare Contact Nursery Ofsted: Good (Jun 2025) · C/O Stoke Hill First School, Stoke Hill, Exeter, EX4 7DQ · Devon Number of places 33 places Age range 2–4 yrs Last inspected Jun 2025 Local authority Devon About - About - Pricing - Ofsted - Inclusion - FAQ - [About](#about) - [Pricing](#pricing) - [Ofsted](#ofsted) - [Inclusion](#inclusion) - [FAQ](#faq) Email Nursery ## About this day nursery First Steps Community Playgroup, situated in Exeter, has been a pillar of early childhood education for over four decades. Established initially in St James' Church Hall, the playgroup expanded its facilities and service hours in 1999, eventually settling into its current location in 2002. Since 2007, they have further enhanced their offerings to include breakfast and lunch provisions. In 2023, the playgroup successfully fundraised for a new building on their existing site. As a charitable organisation overseen by a parent committee, it actively engages in fundraising initiatives throughout the year to enrich its resources and equipment for the children. The playgroup welcomes children from across Exeter, as it operates without catchment area restrictions, and received a 'GOOD' rating from OFSTED in June 2025. What it's like From the moment children enter the playgroup, staff greet them warmly and share relevant information with parents. Strong bonds help children feel safe, happy, and settled. The curriculum is well-designed, incorporating children's interests and preparing them for school, with rich learning experiences both inside and outdoors. Community Playgroup Charitable Organisation Breakfast and Lunch Facilities ## Pricing & funding Pricing on request This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability. [Request pricing →](https://sites.google.com/a/firststepsplaygroup.org.uk/first-steps-community-playgroup/welcome/fundraising) ## Key facts Opening hours 9am to 3pm, weekdays during term time only. Wraparound care from 7.30am to 9am and from 3pm to 6pm. A holiday club runs from 8am to 5pm. Term time / All Year Term Time Ofsted Inspection ## Ofsted rating for First Steps Community Playgroup Last inspected 25 June 2025 · Martin O'Mahony Overall effectiveness Good Quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good What it's like to attend From the moment children enter the playgroup, staff greet them warmly and share relevant information with parents. Strong bonds help children feel safe, happy, and settled. The curriculum is well-designed, incorporating children's interests and preparing them for school, with rich learning experiences both inside and outdoors. Inspector highlights - The manager has an ambitious vision for the curriculum and is reviewing the outside provision to further create opportunities for a broad and balanced curriculum. - Staff know the children well and ensure disadvantaged children and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities have full access to the curriculum. - Communication and language are at the heart of the curriculum. - Staff build positive partnerships with parents and communicate with them regularly. - Staff support children to be physically active throughout the day, and children enjoy exploring the school playground on bikes. Areas to develop - 1 improve the precision of staff questioning to identify misconceptions and provide clear explanations that strengthen children's learning. Inspection #10399048 · Source: Ofsted [View full Ofsted report](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50284014) ### Official Ofsted Report Independent inspection of First Steps Community Playgroup Inspection date Jun 2025 Inspection no. 10399048 Lead inspector Martin O'Mahony [Download full report (PDF)](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50284014)[View on Ofsted.gov.uk](https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/16/105976) Visit or enquire ### Book a show-around Most settings reply within 48 hours. Schedule a VisitContact NurseryJoin Waitlist Get in touch ### Contact Reveal phone number [ Visit website ](https://sites.google.com/a/firststepsplaygroup.org.uk/first-steps-community-playgroup/) C/O Stoke Hill First School, Stoke Hill, Exeter, EX4 7DQ [© Mapbox](https://www.mapbox.com/about/maps) [© OpenStreetMap](https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright/) [Improve this map](https://apps.mapbox.com/feedback/?owner=bettersearch&id=cmr0xkm3n001m01shcu7igkjr&access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoiYmV0dGVyc2VhcmNoIiwiYSI6ImNtcjB4NzVvNDA0ZTkycHF5Z3g3aWNtZWcifQ.h8Ni35tijJSAoESKsGArhg#/-3.51373/50.73636/14) [](https://www.mapbox.com/) ## Explore day nurseries near Exeter - [Day nurseries in Exeter](/search?q=Exeter) - [Day nurseries in South West](/search?q=South+West) Is this your nursery? Claim this listing to add photos, pricing, and respond to enquiries. [Claim this listing](/claim?nursery=first-steps-community-playgroup-ex4-7db-105976) Inclusion & environment ## How they support every child SEND provision Staff identify what children already know and can do, and ensure disadvantaged children and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities have full access to the curriculum. Outdoor space The curriculum provides rich learning experiences, inside and outdoors, that promote sustained engagement and skill development. The manager is reviewing the outside provision to further create opportunities for a broad and balanced curriculum. Children enjoy exploring the school playground on bikes, developing balance, coordination and an awareness of road safety. Inspection history Date: January 2007 - August 2025 Good - June 2025 Good - December 2019 Good - November 2019 Good - January 2016 Good - December 2015 Good - November 2010 Good - October 2010 Good - January 2007 Good ## Frequently asked about First Steps Community Playgroup ### How did First Steps Community Playgroup do at its last Ofsted inspection? ### What do parents say about First Steps Community Playgroup? ### Is First Steps Community Playgroup a private nursery? ### How are meals handled at First Steps Community Playgroup? ## Nearby day nurseries in Exeter Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to First Steps Community Playgroup. - [ Ofsted: Outstanding 0.2 mi ### Stoke Hill Pre-School and Day Nursery Exeter · EX4 7DS ](/nursery/stoke-hill-pre-school-and-day-nursery-ex4-7ds-106048) - [ Awaiting first inspection 0.3 mi ### Adventurers Exeter · EX4 6HA ](/nursery/adventurers-ex4-6ha-2817915) - [ Ofsted: Good 0.6 mi ### The Grosvenor Day Nursery Exeter · EX1 2HJ 5.0(39 reviews) ](/nursery/the-grosvenor-day-nursery-ltd-ex1-2hj-2709407) - [ Ofsted: Good 0.6 mi ### Tops Exeter Exeter · EX4 4PL 3.4(9 reviews) ](/nursery/tops-exeter-ex4-4pl-2804980) - [ Ofsted: Good 0.7 mi ### Spring Cedars Exeter · EX4 8LD 3.7(11 reviews) ](/nursery/spring-cedars-ex4-8ld-ey551303) - [ Ofsted: Good 0.9 mi ### Puffins Nursery Exeter · EX1 2PD 5.0(14 reviews) ](/nursery/puffins-nursery-ex1-2pd-ey300251) [See all nurseries in Exeter →](/search?q=Exeter) ### Are you the owner of this nursery? 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